BULAWAYO residents have welcomed the return of the urban voucher programme describing it as a lifeline for mothers and children in the city.
The programme has helped many pregnant women, young mothers, and children.
It has resulted in an increase in the number of timely care registrations and antenatal check-ups.
Health, Housing and Education Committee chairperson Ntombizodwa Khumalo told Southern Eye that the programme is a results-based financing initiative, resuming this year in Emakhandeni district.
“It started in 2014 as a pilot programme in Nkulumane district but it stopped in 2024 due to challenges in donor funding,” she said.
“It is now back this year covering Emakhandeni district, we welcome it back and hope that it will spread to other districts in the city.”
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Khumalo highlighted its key benefits, including reducing infant mortality and stillbirths, and addressing traditional stigmas around teenage pregnancies.
“Teenage pregnancies should be taken care of. Those young mothers need counselling and encouragement to use the programme,” she said, noting that many live in poverty and cannot afford medically supervised delivery.
The programme, implemented by Cordaid with funding from the World Bank, provides essential maternal and child healthcare. According to reports, it works like an insurance scheme: a single voucher covers antenatal care, childbirth support, postnatal care and costly hospital procedures, including Caesarean section and ambulance transport.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association president Stephen Nkomo welcomed the programme’s return but urged residents not to abuse it, emphasising that it is intended solely for maternal care.
“Residents should understand that the programme is meant for maternal care only and does not cover anything beyond that like taking children to school among others,” he said.
A community health worker at Pumula Clinic, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said initially expecting mothers were shy to participate in the programme.
“They were shy complaining that their pregnancies should not be taken as charity cases but now due to knowledge they are coming in big numbers,” she said.
Beneficiaries also receive full coverage for costly hospital care in the event of complications such as a Caesarean section or ambulance transport.
By catering for antenatal, childbirth and postnatal services — including costly hospital care — it aims to reduce infant mortality, support young mothers and expand access to life-saving maternal health services across the city.